The Replacement Killers (Extended Cut) (1998)

In reading reviews for Chow-Yun Fat's first American movie, The Replacement Killers, it seems people either really liked it or really hated it. I, myself, really loved the movie.

The story centers on John Lee (Chow Yun-Fat), a hitman who fails to carry out a contract for moral reason, and soon finds himself and his family targets by the mob that hired him. In an effort to save his family, he goes to Meg Coburn (Mira Sorvino), a specialist in making forged documents, to hire her to make him a passport so he can get back to China and protect his family from the vengeful wrath of an Asian mafia. She soon becomes entangled in the war between John and his former employers. In the meantime, other assassins are brought in, the replacement killers, to finish what John couldn't, and to also kill John for his failure.

Some have complained that the movie is too short, but I would say it's tight. How many times have you watched a movie and thought the movie could have been shorter? So many times I have thought certain scenes in movies serve no other purpose other than to pad out the run time. This is a lean movie (87 mins) with lots of action. The pacing was such that it didn't allow for a lot of character development, but I felt there was enough to drive the story. I think Antoine Fuqua did an excellent job directing this movie, keeping the focus on the action rather than getting mired in useless details.

Some have criticized Mira Sorvino's character and her change of heart in the movie, saying that it was unrealistic. Well, I thought the whole movie was unrealistic, but I was just along for the ride. Did that element hurt the movie? I didn't think so...unrealistic? Maybe, but how many HK actions movies have you seen where something comes out of left field, like a main character changing allegiances? She did speak of how sometimes it was necessary to do the right thing, doing that one good think to make up for all the bad things. Most movies require a suspension of disbelief, and some require more than others. If you really want pick on a character that acted unrealistically, look at Kogan, played by Jurgen Prochnow. He appeared to be a high ranking member in the Asian mob after John but in a few scenes we see him involved in doing rather menial tasks better assigned to henchmen. His boss, Terrence Wei (Kenneth Tsang), did say something along the lines of taking a more hands on approach after the first failed attempt on John's life, but I think Kogan might have taken it a little too serious. At one point, he was staked out eavesdropping on a cop, trying to get specific information. Didn't seem like he would be so involved at that level of operations, but I let it slide.

Anyway, I had a lot of fun with this movie, and while not substantial in some areas, it certainly delivered with the action. Slick visuals, fast pacing, and lean story come together and work where others have failed. Also, the soundtrack really works well, complimenting the movie nicely, while not overshadowing it.

I enjoy this action packed movie every time that I watch it. Watching this movie in Blu Ray is an extraordinary experience. The richness of the video is outstanding. I want to watch the movie even more now that I have it on Blu Ray format.

Buy The Replacement Killers (Extended Cut) (1998) Now

The American acting debut of Chow Yun-Fat is routine at times but never boring. While Antonie Fuqua, a long-time music video director making his feature film debut, is certainly no John Woo, he shows incredible promise.

Chow is a hired assassin who is called in to take out a police officer's family in retaliation for the murder of a mob kingpin's son. When he can't do it, the bosses call in "replacements" to hunt him down. Mira Sorvino, in quite possibly her sexiest role ever, is a document forger who gets caught up in the whole mess.

"Replacement Killers" moves so quickly that it seems to be over as soon as it gets started. In that time, we are treated to an exceptional but somewhat overly-stylized action film. The influence of John Woo's style on Fuqua is clear here. Though in some cases, it is a good thing. Chow's John Lee is not an emotionless killer. We get a glimpse into why he makes the decisions he does. Chow does a better job with the English language than most new stars from overseas do. He's no Jackie Chan. Sorvino for the most part doesn't have much to do here. She does make for some nice eye candy but her role isn't much defined.

Overall, "Killers" could stand to have been at least a few minutes longer. The overwhelming musical score from Harry Gregson Williams is excellent and helps magnify the mood of the film. Chow Yun-Fat fans will no doubt want to see this over and over again as he really gets to shine here. In closing, it is a real crowd-pleaser.

Read Best Reviews of The Replacement Killers (Extended Cut) (1998) Here

Chow Yun-Fat makes this movie. He is the coolest Asian since Bruce Lee and, though his style is different, his talent is comparable to Bruce's. Mira is sexy as hell as the street girl with a heart of gold, so to speak. John Woo never dissapoints. In this one, he combines the grittyness of the big city with an Asian mysticism creating suspense throughout and one of the coolest final showdown scenes I've ever seen. Not a classic flick, but definitely a winner as an action film. By the way, it was the very first DVD I ever bought and it was worth it because the sound plays well on my DVD enteretainment system. You feel every gunshot!

Want The Replacement Killers (Extended Cut) (1998) Discount?

I saw The Replacement Killers when first released on Video and thought it was Great than again on DVD with a better picture & sound and now on Blu Ray with an even clearer Picture & Sound with bullets flying all over the place and great performance by Chow Yun-Fat & especially by Mira Sorvino looking pretty hot ... Recommended .